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Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
As Uddhav holds out hope for alliance with MNS, why Raj Thackeray is maintaining radio silence
A week after Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray held a quiet, closed-door meeting with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai on June 12 that raised questions about the possibility of an alliance between the two, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray has yet again signalled his eagerness to join hands with his cousin. The MNS chief, who initially signalled that he was open to an alliance with the Sena (UBT), however, has remained quiet, and his party leaders have also been dismissive about the prospects of a tie-up. While reiterating that he will do what is 'in the minds of the people of Maharashtra and the Sena cadre', Uddhav said Thursday, 'We are capable of resolving the issues between us, others need not worry about it.' Referring to the meeting between his cousin and the CM, Uddhav accused the BJP of attempting to 'thwart the reunion of the two brothers' since it knows the possible 'repercussions' of such an alliance for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls. Over the past two months, since Raj sent the first signal of rapprochement to Uddhav on April 19, several Sena (UBT) leaders, including the party chief, his son Aaditya, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut, have consistently expressed their willingness to ally with the MNS. Projecting it as a coming together of the 'Marathi manoos' for the larger good of the state, Sena (UBT) leveraged speeches, posters, and its mouthpiece Saamana to build public momentum for reconciliation. The theme has been clear: identity, legacy, and the Marathi cause. On June 6, Uddhav himself hinted at positive talks for an alliance. 'There is no confusion in my mind or in the minds of my party workers. Even MNS workers are in touch with us,' he said. 'What is in the hearts of the people of Maharashtra – that will happen.' The next day, the Sena (UBT)'s mouthpiece too published an archived photo of the two cousins on its front page – a rare symbolic move not seen in the past 20 years. Posters put up in Mumbai, Thane and other parts of the state called for a united Thackeray front 'to save the Marathi manoos from outsiders.' The Sena (UBT) poured symbolism and sentiment into its campaign, reviving old photos, invoking Marathi unity, and publicly expressing a willingness to sacrifice ego for the state. But the response from the MNS leadership in the past two months has remained cautious, and sometimes even dismissive. Raj has mostly remained behind the scenes, holding internal meetings and saying little directly to the media. He has not even commented publicly since his April 19 appearance on a podcast with filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar, where he said, 'The interest of Maharashtra is bigger than personal disagreements.' This was immediately followed up by Uddhav who, without naming his cousin, said, 'If necessary, we are ready to come together for Maharashtra, for Marathi people and the Marathi language.' What followed was a string of coordinated messaging from the Sena (UBT) leadership and workers urging the two brothers to come together, including by Raut who said on April 22 that Uddhav was 'very positive' on the idea of a tie-up. Even Aaditya Thackeray echoed this approach, stating multiple times throughout May that anyone with 'clean intentions' for Maharashtra and opposing 'anti-Maharashtra BJP' forces was welcome. Behind the Sena (UBT)'s constant outreach is its desire to prevent a fragmentation of the Marathi vote, now split three ways among Sena (UBT), Deputy CM Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, and MNS, with the BJP well-positioned to gain from this in the elections for the BMC, historically considered a Sena bastion. A united Thackeray front could have consolidated the Marathi voter across at least 10 major urban bodies. Now, the BJP-Shinde combine enters the contest facing a divided Opposition, with the MNS likely to be either a tactical ally or a disruptive wildcard. The MNS, however, has maintained distance, often dismissing the idea of an alliance, immediately after Raj's statement. On April 20, MNS leader and Mumbai party chief Sandeep Deshpande clarified that issue-based unity differs from electoral tie-ups, saying, 'Marathis can also come together for issues of interest to Maharashtra' and that alliance for elections is a 'narrow-minded idea'. The message was clear: unity on issues, not necessarily seats and polls. Three days later, he said the Sena (UBT) would have to make a formal proposal if it wanted an alliance. Past overtures by the MNS were met with 'betrayal', he added. Raj's son Amit Thackeray said on June 5 that in 2014, 2017, and during the Covid-19 pandemic, his father had made the first move by calling Uddhav, but there was no response. The following day, despite Uddhav's positive statements on an alliance that same day, MNS leaders Deshpande and Thane district party chief Avinash Jadhav firmly denied receiving any formal proposal. 'Alliances don't happen before cameras; decisions follow offers… There was no positive response from (Uddhav's) end in the past. So this time, we will be cautious. Sanjay Raut should ask Uddhav to directly call Raj – he will get a positive response,' the leaders said. On Friday, Deshpande pushed back further, questioning the timing of the Sena (UBT)'s overtures. 'How come suddenly the Sena (UBT) has become so positive for an alliance? Four months ago, they were taking objections over the MNS using photos of Bal Thackeray. Is it just because of their political situation? Is it because they managed to win just 20 seats in the Assembly polls? Had they won 60 seats, would they have been so enthusiastic?' Deshpande said. The idea of a Thackeray reunion appeals to a sizeable section of Marathi voters who are nostalgic for the undivided Shiv Sena. But for now, until a direct conversation takes place between Uddhav and Raj, the alliance remains more a matter of speculation than strategy. According to MNS insiders, behind the emotional appeals lies a clear motive for the Sena (UBT). After losing its symbol to Eknath Shinde's party after the split in 2022 and the debacle in 2024 Assembly polls, the Sena (UBT) is now working to shore up its urban Marathi base — especially in Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and parts of Pune where the MNS's influence still resonates — ahead of the pending local body elections. Party insiders say there are other concerns for Raj: any alliance risks painting the MNS as the 'younger brother' or 'junior partner', making it secondary both in perception and seat sharing. 'The Sena (UBT) wants us for our vote base, but they won't give us space. Why would Raj walk into that trap?' an MNS leader said. Data for the most recent municipal corporation elections held between 2014 and 2019, however, shows that the MNS has limited presence in civic bodies. The MNS, contesting across 21 of the 27 corporations, won just 26 out of a total 2,736 seats with an overall vote share of 3.56%. In the previous set of municipal corporation elections from 2009 to 2014, the MNS won 162 of the total 2,543 seats, securing an overall vote share of 12.43%. Ideological discomfort is also playing a role. The MNS, which has leaned sharply towards Hindutva in the past five years, finds little resonance with Sena (UBT)'s current INDIA bloc allies, the Congress and NCP (Sharad Pawar). 'The MNS has always fought to maintain its independent identity,' another senior leader explained. 'If we ally with Uddhav, he gains legitimacy and numbers. What do we get?' As far as an alliance with the BJP goes, the BJP sees a clear advantage in bringing the MNS into the ruling Mahayuti, especially in urban pockets where the regional outfit holds sway among the Marathi youth. The party's firm stances on illegal migrants, loudspeakers, and cultural assertion make it a natural fit for the BJP's urban Hindutva strategy. For Raj, the deal is transactional, not ideological, offering visibility, leverage, and resources, without surrendering political independence.
NDTV
7 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Uddhav Plans Party Dinner To Keep Flock Together Ahead Of Key Polls
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) chief Uddhav Thackeray is scheduled to host a dinner for party MPs and MLAs in Bandra on Friday, in what is perceived as a strategic move to keep the flock together ahead of the crucial elections for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai and civic bodies across the state. Several party leaders have quit and switched over to the Shiv Sena ahead of the local bodies poll in the state. The dinner at Taj Lands End Hotel, which will include party office bearers, also assumes significance amid speculation over a possible patch-up between Uddhav and his brother, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. Sources said Uddhav wants to take into confidence his public representatives and office bearers before making any proposal to the MNS for an alliance. A meeting of all district heads is also supposed to take place at Sena Bhavan during the day. While addressing the 59th foundation day of the Shiv Sena on Thursday, Uddhav attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally, the Shiv Sena, saying: "What people want will happen. We will see how it is to be done. The BJP and Shinde Sena do not want Marathi parties to unite. If you try to finish the Thackeray brand, we will finish off the BJP." At a recent meeting at Matoshree, Uddhav had sought the opinion of all former corporators on a possible alliance with the MNS. He said he will not go ahead with the alliance without the former corporators' nod. Sources said all the former corporators supported the idea and said it was the right time to join hands with the MNS. More than 50% of the former corporators of undivided Shiv Sena, who won in the 2017 BMC polls, have already shifted loyalties to the Eknath Shinde camp. So, the meeting with the former corporators is seen as an attempt to avoid further defections.
Hindustan Times
14 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
MNS workers booked for creating ruckus at civic hospital in Vashi
NAVI MUMBAI: The Vashi police have registered a case against several Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers for allegedly threatening public servants and obstructing them from discharging their duty at the Municipal Hospital in Vashi, after a Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) employee allegedly demanded money from relatives of a deceased to wrap the body. The incident took place on June 17 around 12:30 pm. As per the complaint filed with the police, the group of MNS workers, identified as Sagar Vichare, Sanjay Shirke, Sagar Tambe, Santosh Motasingh, Sandesh Khambe, Pravin Mane, Shailesh Pachange, Akshay Trimukhe, Sangeeta Vajare, Deepali Daul, along with 10-15 unidentified party members, allegedly entered the hospital premises without prior permission. According to the complaint filed by Dr Rajesh Mhatre, medical superintendent of the hospital, the group forcibly barged into his office to confront him regarding a viral video that had surfaced on social media, showing hospital mortuary staff allegedly demanding money for postmortem services. Despite being informed about the steps taken by the hospital administration regarding the viral video, the MNS workers reportedly began hurling threats and abuses. They allegedly manhandled the security staff and forcibly draped a white cloth around Dr Mhatre's neck, all the while shouting slogans. In the complaint, it is stated that an MNS worker, identified as Sagar Vichare, allegedly demanded Dr. Mhatre's resignation, using offensive language. The group is also accused of video recording the incident and circulating it via news channels and social media platforms with the intention of maligning the reputation of the complainant and the Municipal Hospital. Based on the complaint, Vashi police registered an FIR under sections 329(3), 132, 221, 342, 352, 351(3), 353(1)B, 189(2), 190 and 191 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and section 4 of Maharashtra Medical Service Persons and Medical Service Institutions (Prevention of Violence and Damage or Loss to Property) Act, 2010, charging them for unlawful assembly, criminal trespass, intimidation, obstructing public servants, and intentional insult. 'We have served notices of appearance to all the accused and further investigation is underway,' said senior inspector Sanjay Dhumal of Vashi police station.
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
On Sena foundation day, Uddhav leaves door open for MNS as he says BJP trying to prevent Marathi unity
Mumbai: Indicating that the option of an alliance with Raj Thackeray's Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) was on the cards, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said he would do what was in the minds of Shiv Sainiks and the people of the state, and that people would know about it soon. Uddhav mentioned that to prevent this from happening, "servants of their masters" were meeting people in hotels, referring to a recent meeting between MNS chief Raj Thackeray and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis at a Bandra hotel. Uddhav stated that the BJP was trying to prevent the Marathi manoos from coming together in Mumbai. Uddhav also took a dig at PM Narendra Modi over Operation Sindoor, saying that the country needs a prime minister and Modi was just the BJP's prime minister. Uddhav said he would not allow the imposition of Hindi in Maharashtra and the Centre must first make Hindi compulsory in Gujarat. He remarked that just ahead of the BMC polls, the imposition of Hindi was nothing but an attempt to create division among Marathis and non-Marathis. "They have not gained control of Mumbai, they are worried about what will happen to the master's friend, what will happen to Adani after Mumbai is back in our hands. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 境界のないゲームを発見する BuzzDaily Winners ゲームをプレイ Undo Due to this, efforts are being made to prevent the power of the Marathi people from coming together. Mumbai belongs to us. They are trying to divide and rule and split the Marathi manoos and prevent their strength from coming together," Uddhav said while speaking at an event on the 59th anniversary of the Shiv Sena at Sion's Shanmukhananda Hall. "Shethji (master) and their servants are celebrating their anniversary there today. They are saying that it will not happen, it will not happen (Sena UBT's alliance with MNS). But what do you want to do? We will see what we have to do. If you think that you will erase the brand of Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray, we will erase your name," Uddhav said. "What is the need to make Hindi mandatory? We are not against Hindi, but we will not tolerate Hindi imposition. BJP planned all this (making Hindi compulsory) to create a fight between Marathis and non-Marathis on the eve of elections. After diverting attention, they are free to commit corruption. Till now, they cheated on the promises they made. They did not keep their promises to the people in the elections. Then how could they keep the promise they made to me, the promise of 2.5 years as chief minister? When we formed the INDIA bloc, you were not ashamed to compare us with the Indian Mujahideen. You compare us with terrorists and send our own MPs all over the world to tell us what you have done," Uddhav said. "The country needs a home minister, not the burglar Amit Shah. Today the country needs a defence minister, not the goon-protecting Devendra Fadnavis and Rajnath Singh," Uddhav said.
NDTV
a day ago
- Politics
- NDTV
BJP Does Not Want Marathi Parties To Unite: Uddhav Thackeray On Cousin Raj
Mumbai: The Foundation Day of Shiv Sena saw yet another bout of verbal duel between the chiefs of two rival factions of the party that since the split, has fought over ideology and the legacy of Balasaheb Thackeray. But with Maharashtra's clear verdict in last year's assembly polls, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde fought from a position of strength. As his faction -- in firm possession of the party name, election symbol as well as assembly seats -- directed a sharp blow, Mr Shinde, too, pulled no punches. From Uddhav Thackeray, along with the expected jabs at the BJP and Eknath Shinde, there was yet another overture towards his cousin Raj Thackeray, the chief of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena: "If we stand today to ensure that the importance of Mumbai is not lost, only then we can stop it (the onslaught)...will that (alliance with MNS) happen? They (the ruling Mahayuthi) are trying to divide Marathi people... These servants of their masters do not want to see Marathi people together," he said, indirectly refering to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' recent meeting with Raj Thackeray. The MNS -- while not having much heft in the rest of Maharashtra -- matters as a catalyst in the civic elections, commanding a substantial number of Marathi votes in many municipal segments, including pockets of Worli, Dadar, Mahim, Prabhadevi, Goregaon and others. This is the reason why Raj Thackeray is being courted by both sides, and over the last weeks, Mr Thackeray has sent multiple signals to his estranged cousin - who has been wary so far. With Sena already split and BJP solely focusing on the north Indian voters, the Marathi voters will be spoilt with choice and the Shiv Sena UBT believes that the uniting of Thackerays offers better prospects for both parties, It was Mr Shinde's faction, though, which set the tone for the day with a cartoon posted on its social media handles that questioned how a party formed on October 10, 2022, could celebrate its 59th foundation day. Speaking from Worli Dome, Eknath Shinde had responded with a jibe to Uddhav Thackeray's quote of a dialogue from a Bollywood blockbuster - "If enemies come at me, I'll say 'Come on kill me'." "How can one kill a man already dead? The people pretty much killed you in the assembly polls," Eknath Shinde said, to applause from his audience. "In 2024 assembly elections, the people have shown them (Shiv Sena UBT) their real face.. they betrayed Balasaheb Thackeray and his ideology of Hindutva," he added. The Deputy Chief Minister then peppered his attack with more recent events - the terror attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent Operation Sindoor. "Where were you after Pahalgam attack? Have you met any families who lost their loved ones in the attack? where was your Marathi love then... We are proud of Operation Sindoor. They raise doubts about our Army.. they don't trust them. They believe on the Army chief of Pakistan. Instead of saluting bravery of soldiers they are asking of damages of our weapons... raising questions is equivalent to treason. They are acting like Pakistani agents," he said, encompassing the whole opposition. Uddhav Thackeray's comments on the matter were no less sharp. "You tied the hands of our army. We were ready to take over Pakistan - but then Trump called, and you went silent... "How did the four terrorists enter? Where were the Home Minister and the Defence Minister?" he had thundered from Mumbai's Shanmukhanand hall. "What is your definition of Hindutva? You criticise us for leaving Hindutva, but what about your leader who calls Colonel Sofiya Qureshi a sister of Pakistan," he added.
